“I was drawn to the Foundation because its mission completely aligns with my family and what we believe in.”

Carolyn Kurtz really likes keeping people organized. For 21 years, she kept an office of attorneys running smoothly, and now she brings her stellar organization tools to the Foundation’s Rural Community Building department. As administrative associate, Carolyn stays on top of the myriad details necessary for the team to do their work.

“I’m hoping to make their lives a tad easier by lightening their load so they can focus on what they need to focus on,” she says. “It’s really what I do.”

Carolyn came to the Foundation from Douglas County Counsel, where she served as the office’s head paralegal. For the last 15 years of her tenure, she worked part time so she could spend afternoons volunteering at the schools her two children attended.

Her extensive volunteerism reflects Carolyn’s commitment to contributing to the positive health and education of the community.

Carolyn grew up in the Bethel area near Eugene, earning her paralegal associate degree from Lane Community College. She and her husband, who was raised in south Douglas County, moved to Roseburg to be equally close to both sides of the family.

Outside of work hours, Carolyn spends her time attending and volunteering at school events, including transporting members of youth sports teams to away games. Her family also enjoys hiking, fishing and camping — all things Oregon.